Aidan Gillen only realized the massive cultural impact of Game of Thrones after the most shocking death scene in Season 1.

Aidan Gillen and GOT

Game of Thrones had a lot of shocking plot twists and turns that took the world by storm, but Irish star Aidan Gillen did not think its magnitude would affect people on a grand scale, not after the controversial death of Ned Stark.

aidan gillen game of thronesCredits: Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones / HBO Entertainment

When he joined the project as Petyr Baelish, aka Littlefinger, Gillen thought it was just another show he would add to his portfolio, but as the series became worldwide popular, he knew he would be in it for the long run.

Aidan Gillen Recalled the Instant Popularity of Game of Thrones After Ned Stark’s Death

Aidan Gillen notably portrayed Littlefinger, the Master of Coin under King Robert Baratheon’s legacy. He used his connections via his brothel business to acquire intelligence and wealth, as well as orchestrated conflicts within Westeros in his quest for power.

With such a complex and intriguing role, the 56-year-old Dublin native did not expect Game of Thrones would be a big hit. The first season already gave the audience one of the most painful deaths in the series, and somehow, it made the actor realize how profound and crucial Ned Stark’s death was in the story.

ned stark death scene game of thronesCredits: Ned Stark’s death scene in Games of Thrones / HBO Entertainment

Speaking with The Irish Times, Gillen said he was able to perceive the famed fantasy show as a cultural phenomenon only after the tragedy of the Lord of Winterfell.

I suppose it was after what happened to Sean Bean’s character. That’s when you knew it had really taken off. People were just talking about it around the world.

Fans continued to mourn the death of the great patriarch of House Stark even after Sean Bean’s exit from the show. The figure’s legacy was still felt throughout the succeeding seasons, and he was always remembered as a good man.

Gillen reiterated his sentiment about Stark in his conversation with IGN. He believed the noble lord had the best death in the show “because it was such a pivotal moment, and when we really saw what Game of Thrones is about.” He also described the event as the most important in the story, yet the most surprising and devastating.

Ned’s death set the narrative forward and established what kind of world the Game of Thrones would offer the viewers. It truly lived up to the expectations after the show killed almost every key character, especially the fan-favorite ones.

How Did Littlefinger Die in Game of Thrones?

aidan gillen game of thrones-2Credits: Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones / HBO Entertainment

Littlefinger’s death was considered the most satisfying of all. With all the games he played and the victims who suffered because of his schemes, he received the most fitting punishment for his crimes.

In the finale episode of Season 7, Arya Stark slit his throat after Sansa Stark sentenced him to death. He played a role in the execution of Ned Stark, as well as the deaths of Jon and Lysa Arryn. In the same conversation with IGN, Gillen admitted he knew his character’s death would be at the hands of the Stark sisters.

Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on HBO.